Pope Francis polls the Faithful

[Ahriman238]

For the first time ever, the See of Rome is questioning the Laity for their opinions on doctrine and policy, particularly regarding gays. My opinion of the Francis continues to rise. Of course, it's possible nothing will come of it, but even asking the questions instead of handing down commandments from on high is new and to be encouraged.

By Tracy Connor, Staff Writer, NBC News

Pope Francis is shaking things up again.

The pontiff with a penchant for surprises is making new waves by launching a survey of his flock on issues facing modern families — from gay marriage to divorce.

Very specific questions are being sent to parishes around the globe in preparation for next year's synod of bishops, a grassroots effort that experts say is unprecedented.

"It's fascinating," said Thomas Groome, a professor of theology at Boston College.

"It's pretty astonishing," agreed Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of the gay Catholic organization DignityUSA.

Vatican watchers say Francis' polling attempt is extraordinary on two levels: first, because it seeks input from rank-and-file Roman Catholics and second, because it touches on issues that might have been considered off-limits in past papacies.

The document sent to every nation's conference of bishops notes that the ancient church and its members are grappling with "concerns which were unheard of until a few years ago."

Same-sex unions, mixed marriages, single-parent families and surrogate mothers are all mentioned in the prelude to a list of questions that get into the nitty-gritty of 21st century life:

*"What pastoral attention can be given to people who live in these types of [same-sex] union?"

*"In the case of unions of persons of the same sex who have adopted children, what can be done pastorally in light of transmitting the faith?"

*"Do [the divorced and remarried] feel marginalized or suffer from the impossibility of receiving the sacraments?"

*"In cases where non-practicing Catholics or declared non-believers request the celebration of marriage, describe how this pastoral challenge is dealt with."


The survey is the latest sign of Francis' willingness to engage ordinary Catholics and promote a less judgmental approach to hot-button social issues.

The Argentine Jesuit elected to the throne of St. Peter in March has drawn widespread praise — and some scattered criticism from conservatives — for his comments about gays, women, atheists and priestly celibacy.

There is nothing in the questionnaire that says he is planning any big changes, and a senior Vatican official said Tuesday that the church remains "loyal to the vision of the family where a man and a woman join together and procreate children."

But Fordham University theology chair Terrence Tilley said the questionnaire does suggest the church might tweak some policies that don't involve doctrine — such as denying the sacraments to Catholics who have divorced and remarried or opening the church to gay couples that want to raise adopted children Catholic.

"I think it demonstrates a grounding in the practical realities of the world," Duddy-Burke said, though she cautioned that the real test is if the Vatican agrees to hear from a diverse range of families at the actual synod.

Groome said it "remains to be seen" if the polling will translate into any action, but he's impressed nonetheless.

"To my knowledge, it's the first time in the history of the magisterium have genuinely attempted to consult the laity," he said.

"At least he's started the conversation," Groome said.

"All of these things have been closed issues and you could be fired for even talking about them. Raising these questions and polling people — it at least signals something other than a closed mind. You have to thank God for small mercies."

Now where are the questions regarding female priests and clerical marriage?

[madd0ct0r]

one thing at a time - and the CoE nearly split over women bishops, I doubt the Catholics are ready for that debate.

TBH, this survey reads not as "We value your opinion." but more "This is cast iron permission to talk about these subjects, with a slight assumption you'd like the official stance to slightly softened, yes?"

[Lord Revan]

Tbh the catholic church is one of the most conservative organizations in the world, it's not like we expect them to realistically to change their stance overnight.

[Eternal_Freedom]

Tbh the catholic church is one of the most conservative organizations in the world, it's not like we expect them to realistically to change their stance overnight.

Very much this. Just be glad that the new guy is actually trying. I was expecting to not give a damn about the new Pope, but this guy I actually like. I wouldn't mind meeting him (as opposed to the last Pope that I would deliberately try to avoid).